Furniture with lighting profile

Abstract

The invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising a body (2) with a first body wall (3) and a second body wall (4) arranged at an angle to the first body wall (3), and with a profile element (11) in which an electrical appliance is arranged. The invention is characterized in that the profile element (11) is associated with the first body wall (3), wherein the profile element (11) is elongated and has a first and a second end (12, 13) in the longitudinal direction of the profile element, wherein a connection element (14) with a base body (15) is arranged at least at one of the first and second ends (12, 13), and wherein an electrical supply line (16) for the appliance is guided through the connection element (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising a body with a first body wall and a second body wall arranged at an angle to the first body wall and with a profile element in which an electrical consumer, in particular with a lighting means, is arranged.

[0002] There is a general need to integrate lighting into furniture. Furniture with integrated lighting comes in a variety of forms. Provisions must be made for electrically connecting the lighting. Different requirements apply depending on the type of furniture. Particular challenges arise when multiple pieces of furniture are arranged in a modular fashion, for example, in a fitted kitchen.

[0003] US 2006 / 01931124 shows a piece of furniture in which an LED strip is integrated into a side wall of a shelf.

[0004] DE 20 2012 011515 U1 and DE 10 2011 122095 describe profiles with lamps for installation in furniture.

[0005] DE 10 2010 045092 describes a power supply system for furniture lighting.

[0006] The invention has for its object to provide a piece of furniture in which an electrical consumer arranged in or on the piece of furniture, in particular a lighting device, can be connected in a simple and safe manner.

[0007] The object is achieved with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a piece of furniture is provided, comprising a carcass with a first carcass wall and a second carcass wall arranged at an angle to the first carcass wall, with a profile element in which an electrical consumer is arranged, wherein the profile element is assigned to the first carcass wall, wherein the profile element is elongated and has a first and a second end in the longitudinal direction of the profile element, wherein at least at one of the first and second ends a connection element with a base body is arranged, wherein an electrical supply line for the consumer is guided through the connection element.

[0008] In this way, the electrical consumer, which may in particular comprise a light source, can be connected particularly easily and safely. The claimed design thus enables the supply line to be easily routed through the connection element. In this way, an electrical consumer arranged in the piece of furniture can be connected to a power supply arranged outside the piece of furniture. The electrical connection is particularly simple because the claimed design can make it possible to first assemble the piece of furniture and then make the electrical connection. This is particularly advantageous for modular furniture, such as kitchens, which have several interconnected pieces of furniture. At the same time, a high level of safety is guaranteed because the electrical cables can be laid and connected safely.Apart from that, it is also possible to arrange the electrical cables in a concealed manner so that they do not detract from the overall appearance of the piece of furniture. A further advantage of the claimed invention is that it makes it possible to illuminate the interior of the piece of furniture in a particularly attractive way. This allows suitable lighting to be achieved even for high-quality furniture, and especially for high-quality kitchens. The electrical supply line makes it possible to supply the electrical device with power for its operation and / or to control it.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below which can contribute to achieving the aforementioned advantages.

[0010] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the connection element has a connector receptacle for the electrical connection of the load. This allows the load to be supplied with power and / or controlled.

[0011] According to the invention, it is preferred that the connector receptacle has a first receptacle for a first connector that is electrically connected to the electrical load. Preferably, the first connector is connected to the electrical load via a first electrical connecting line.

[0012] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the first receptacle has a protruding holding portion for the first connector, wherein the holding portion is arranged on the base body. Preferably, the holding portion extends from the base body to the inside of the piece of furniture. It is preferred if the holding portion protrudes into the profile element.

[0013] According to the invention, it is preferred that the holding section has a web on which a section with a U-shaped cross section is arranged. This enables secure fastening of the first connector. The first connector can be held in the connector receptacle by the U-shaped section, while the first connecting cable is guided through the open area of ​​the U-shaped section.

[0014] The base body is advantageously made of plastic. In the design with a base body and holding section, it is preferred if the base body and holding section are formed as an integral construction. For this purpose, the base body and the holding section can be formed as a single-piece injection-molded plastic part. The plastic is preferably an insulating material.

[0015] An advantageous development of the invention provides that the connecting element has a second receptacle for a second connector, which is electrically connectable to the first connector. Preferably, the second connector is electrically connectable or connected to a power supply via a second connecting cable. The power supply (e.g., a socket) can be located outside the piece of furniture.

[0016] Preferably, the second receptacle is formed in the base body.

[0017] According to the invention, the first and second connectors each have at least one electrical contact. Preferably, the first and second connectors have two or more electrical contacts.

[0018] According to a further improvement, a through-opening can be provided in the base body, which is designed to at least partially accommodate the first and / or the second connector. For this purpose, a first section of the through-opening can form the first receptacle. Furthermore, a second section of the through-opening can form the second receptacle. Preferably, in the assembled state, the connection contacts of the first and / or second connector are arranged within the through-opening. This achieves a secure connection and protection against contact.

[0019] According to the invention, it is preferred if the second connector can be inserted or is inserted into the base body from the outside of the body in order to connect the second connector to the first connector.

[0020] Preferably, the connecting element is designed as a corner connector between the first and second body walls of the body. In this case, first connecting means can be provided for the mechanical connection to the first body wall and second connecting means for the mechanical connection to the second body wall.

[0021] Preferably, the second body wall is arranged perpendicular to the first body wall, with the first and second body walls forming a corner. The first and second body walls can form a joint. It can be provided that the end face of the first body wall abuts an inner surface of the second body wall, or vice versa.

[0022] Preferably, the body further comprises a third and a fourth body wall. The first, second, third, and fourth body walls can form a rectangular cuboid. Additionally, the body can have a rear wall on its rear side and / or a door on its front side.

[0023] The first and second carcass walls and optionally the third and fourth carcass walls may preferably comprise a wood material, such as chipboard or solid wood.

[0024] According to the invention, it is preferred if the profile element has a connecting section via which it is connected to the first body wall. For this purpose, the profile element can have a harpoon bar. The first body wall can have a slot-shaped recess for receiving the harpoon bar.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment provides for a connecting pin that connects the connecting element to the second body wall. For this purpose, the connecting element can have a recess for receiving the connecting pin. The connecting pin can be designed as a dowel. Preferably, the connecting pin and / or the aforementioned recess are cylindrical.

[0026] According to the invention, it can be provided that the profile element has at least one receptacle for a connecting means with which the connecting element can be or is fastened to the profile element.

[0027] Advantageously, it can be provided that the connecting element has at least one connecting means which is received in the receptacle.

[0028] It is also advantageous if the receptacle is formed by a profile section with a C-shaped cross-section. The C-shape allows for elasticity, allowing the projection to be held securely in the receptacle.

[0029] The profile element can be designed, in particular, as a metal profile or a plastic profile. A metal profile can be advantageous in terms of stability.

[0030] Advantageously, it can be provided that the profile element comprises a continuous cast profile.

[0031] Preferably, the profile element has a web and two legs arranged on either side of the web.

[0032] Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the profile element forms a receiving space with a rear side, wherein the profile element has a holding surface for the electrical consumer (preferably the lighting means).

[0033] Preferably, the holding surface is arranged at an angle to the rear side. In particular, the holding surface can be formed by a section of the profile element arranged at an angle to the rear side. The angle between the holding surface, which can be flat, and the rear side is preferably between 25° and 65°. The holding surface is preferably arranged on the side of the profile element facing the room, so that a light source arranged on the holding surface produces a light distribution that has a maximum in a direction toward the rear of the cabinet.

[0034] A further improvement is achieved if the profile element has a translucent cover for the light source. The translucent cover is preferably designed as a diffuser. The translucent cover can preferably be held between the legs of the profile element. The translucent cover can cover the receiving space towards the interior of the cabinet. Furthermore, it can contribute to attractive illumination of the interior of the furniture.

[0035] Effective illumination of the body can be achieved if the electrical device has a light source. The electrical device preferably comprises an LED light source. Furthermore, it is preferred if the LED light source is designed as an LED strip, LED ribbon, or LED bar. This allows for particularly attractive light distribution with simple installation. The LED strip, LED ribbon, or LED bar can extend in the longitudinal direction of the profile element over at least 50% (particularly preferably more than 75%) of the length of the profile element.

[0036] Preferably, the electrical device is arranged in the profile element in a replaceable manner. After removing the cover, the electrical device can be removed and replaced with a new one, for example, in the event of a defect.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the body has a further profile element. This can preferably be arranged in the third body wall. The further profile element can be designed like the profile element arranged in the first body wall and have a further electrical load that includes a light source. In this way, optimal illumination can be achieved by arranging it on both sides. The further profile element can be designed in the same way as the described profile element arranged in the first body wall.

[0038] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the piece of furniture has a door that is movably mounted on the body. The door is preferably connected to the body via one or more hinges. The hinge can preferably be designed as a cup hinge. However, the door can also be connected to the body via a concealed hinge. The concealed hinge can be arranged in the second and / or third side wall. The use of concealed hinges also improves illumination, as it counteracts the formation of shadows in the body.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the door can be provided with a viewing area through which the interior of the body can be viewed from the outside. Preferably, the door has a transparent or translucent material in the viewing area. However, the viewing area can also be open. Preferably, the transparent or translucent material is made of glass or plastic. A transparent material is preferred according to the invention.

[0040] The door can advantageously be designed as a frame door, the frame of which surrounds the viewing area. The frame can be formed by profile elements. Preferably, the profile elements comprise a metal profile. The metal profile is preferably made of aluminum. The transparent or translucent material can be incorporated into the frame as a filling.

[0041] A further preferred embodiment provides that the door is frameless.

[0042] A preferred embodiment provides that the first body wall has a recess in which the profile element is arranged. In this case, the first body wall can have a reduced thickness in the region of the recess.

[0043] According to the invention, the piece of furniture can be designed as a modular kitchen unit. Preferably, the piece of furniture is designed as a wall cabinet, tall cabinet, or base cabinet that can be combined with other modular kitchen units to form a kitchen unit.

[0044] Further objects, features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their combination in individual claims or their interrelations.

[0045] They show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a piece of furniture with a body; Fig. 1A: a first enlarged detail of the piece of furniture from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 1B: a second enlarged detail of the piece of furniture from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2: a first body wall of the piece of furniture made of Fig. 1 with a profile element; Fig. 2A: a second enlarged detail of the body wall made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 3: an exploded view of profile element and connecting elements from Fig. 2; Fig. 4: the first carcass wall of the piece of furniture made of Fig. 1 with the cover of the profile element opened; Fig. 4A: an enlarged detail of the first body wall from Fig. 4 ; Fig. 5: a side view of the profile element from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 6: a side view of the profile element from Fig. 5 with cover removed; Fig. 7: a cross-sectional view of the profile element installed in the first body wall made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 8: a perspective view of a connecting element of the piece of furniture from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8A: a side view of the connecting element from Fig. 8 from a first side, partly in section; Fig. 8B: a side view of the connecting element from Fig. 8 from a second side; Fig. 8C: a side view of the connecting element from Fig. 8 from a third side; Fig. 8D: an enlarged detail of the connecting element from Fig. 8C : Fig. 9: a perspective view of a section of the profile element from Fig. 1 with the connecting element; Fig. 9A: a perspective view of the connecting element from Fig. 9 Fig. 9B: another representation of the profile element from Fig. 9 ;

[0046] Figure 1 shows a piece of furniture 1 with a carcass 2. The carcass has a first carcass wall 3, a second carcass wall 4, a third carcass wall 5, and a fourth carcass wall 6. The four carcass walls 3-6 form a rectangle. The first carcass wall 3 is connected at a first end to the second carcass wall 4 and at a second end to the fourth carcass wall 6. The third carcass wall 5 is connected at its first end to the second carcass wall 4 and at its second end to the fourth carcass wall 6. The carcass walls 3-6 are arranged at right angles to one another and form a carcass with a rectangular basic shape that encloses a hollow space.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the piece of furniture 1 has a door 7. This is pivotally attached to the body 2. For this purpose, the door 7 can be movably connected to the body 2 and in particular to the third body wall 5 via a hinge (not shown). Figure 1 Door 7 is shown in its open position.

[0048] The door 7 has a viewing area 8 through which the interior of the body 2 can be viewed from the outside when the door 7 is closed. A transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic, can be arranged in the viewing area. The door 7 shown is designed as a frame door, with a frame 9 surrounding the viewing area. The frame 9 can include profile sections, which are designed, for example, as metal profiles.

[0049] In the example shown, the piece of furniture 1 also has a shelf 10 which is arranged in the body 2 between the first and third body walls 3, 5.

[0050] The illustrated piece of furniture 1 has a profile element 11 associated with the body 2. This is elongated and has a first and a second end 12, 13 in the longitudinal direction of the profile element 11.

[0051] An electrical consumer 21 is arranged in the profile element 11. In the illustrated embodiment, this is a lighting device for the interior of the body 2.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, a connecting element 14 is provided at each of the first and second ends 12, 13 of the profile element 11. This element has a base body 15, with an electrical supply line 16 for the electrical load being routed through the connecting element 14.

[0053] Figure 1Ashows an enlarged corner of the body 2. Here it is clearly visible that the profile element 11 with the connecting element 14 is integrated into the first body wall 3. The Figure 1A further shows that the electrical supply line 16 can be led out of the carcass 2 upwards. The electrical supply line 16 can also be led out downwards through the connection element 14 arranged at the second end 13. In this way, it is possible to join the carcass 2 together with one or more other carcasses to form a unit without any gap at the sides. The electrical connection of the consumption can be easily made via the electrical supply line 16. In this way, modular furniture, such as kitchen units in particular, can be created in which several carcasses 2 are connected to one another in a modular manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the piece of furniture 1 is designed as a wall unit of a kitchen.

[0054] Figure 1Bshows an enlarged detail of a lower corner of the body 2. Further details of the connecting element 14 and its connection to the fourth body wall 6 are shown in dashed lines. These are explained in more detail below.

[0055] Figure 2 shows the first body wall 3 of the body 2 from Figure 1 . In Figure 2A The first end 12 of the profile element is shown enlarged. The figure illustrates the integrated arrangement of profile element 11 and connecting element 14 in the first cabinet wall 3. The electrical supply line 16, which is routed through the connecting element 14, is also clearly visible.

[0056] Figure 3shows the profile element 11 of the piece of furniture 1. The exploded view also shows the connecting elements 14, which can be arranged at the first and second ends 12, 13 of the profile element 11. A cover 17 is also shown to cover the receiving space 23 formed by the profile element 11 toward the interior of the body 2. In the case of an electrical consumer 21 having a light source, the cover 17 can be designed, in particular, as a translucent cover.

[0057] Figure 4 shows the first body wall 3 from Figure 2 , with the cover 17 open. In Figure 4A the first end 12 of the profile element 11 is made of Fig. 4 shown enlarged.

[0058] Figure 5shows a side view of the profile element 11 with the inserted cover 17. The profile element 11 forms a receiving space 23 which is delimited by the rear side 22. The profile element 11 has a web 18 and two legs 19, 19' which are arranged on either side of the web 18. A holding surface 20 for the electrical consumer designed as a lighting means 21 is arranged on the web 18. For this purpose, the holding surface 20 is arranged at an angle to the rear side 22. The holding surface 20 is arranged on the side of the web 18 facing the room. In this way, the lighting means 21 can be oriented towards the rear of the carcass 2 and produce a light distribution which has a maximum in a direction towards the rear of the carcass furniture. This design also largely prevents glare for a viewer standing in front of the piece of furniture 1.

[0059] The illustrated profile element 11 is designed as a metal profile. However, it can also be designed, for example, as a plastic profile. In the illustrated initial example, the profile element 11 has two receptacles 24 for connecting means, with which the connecting element 14 can be attached to the profile element 11. The connecting means can extend through the recesses 25 in the connecting element 14, described in more detail below. The receptacles 24 are each formed by a profile section of the profile element 11, which has a C-shaped cross-section. This results in an elastic design that enables a connecting means to be easily and securely accommodated.

[0060] The profile element 11 further comprises a connecting section 26 for connection to the first body wall 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting section 26 is designed as a harpoon web.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical load 21 has a light source. This can comprise LED light sources. In the illustrated embodiment, the LED light source is designed as an LED strip arranged on the support surface 20.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the profile element 11 from Figure 5 with cover removed 17.

[0063] Figure 7 shows the profile element 11 in section with the connecting element 14, installed in the first body wall 3. For clarity, the first body wall 3 is not shown hatched. The first body wall 3 has a slot-shaped recess 28 for clamping the harpoon-shaped connecting section 26.

[0064] Figure 7further shows that the first body wall 3 has a recess 50 in which the profile element 11 is arranged. In the area of ​​the recess 50, the first body wall 3 has a reduced body wall thickness.

[0065] The Figures 8 to 8D show the connection element 14 in various views. The connection element 14 is shown with the base body 15. This has a through-opening 29 through which the electrical supply line for the electrical load 21 can be guided. The connection element 14 has a connector receptacle 51. This allows the electrical connection to be established in a simple manner. The connector receptacle 51 can have a first receptacle 30 for a first connector 32 and a second receptacle 31 for a second connector 33. The first and second connectors 32, 33 are in the Figures 9 to 9Bshown. The first receptacle 30 comprises an inner section of the through-opening 29. The base body 15 further comprises a holding section 34 for the first plug-in connector 32. The holding section 34 extends from the base body 15 to the inside of the piece of furniture and projects into the profile element 11. The holding section 34 has clamping surfaces to hold the first plug-in connector in a form-fitting manner in the first receptacle. In this way, the first plug-in connector 32 can be securely held on the connection element 14. This also applies when the second plug-in connector is inserted to connect the first and second plug-in connectors 32, 33.

[0066] The Figures 8 and 8A show that the holding section 34 has a web 35 on which a section 36 with a U-shaped cross section is arranged. This enables reliable fixation of the second connector 32.

[0067] The second receptacle 31 for the second connector 33 comprises an outer portion of the through-opening 29. In this way, the second connector 33 can be inserted into the second receptacle 31 from the outside. The second receptacle is formed in the base body 15.

[0068] The Figures 8 to 8D further show that two recesses 25 are provided in the base body 15, into which connecting means, for example, designed as screws, can be inserted to fix the connecting element 14 to the first and second ends 12, 13 of the profile element. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting elements 14 arranged at the first and second ends 12, 13 of the profile element 11 are of identical design.

[0069] The connecting element 14 further comprises two projections 37 which engage positively in the profile element 11 and facilitate positioning of the connecting element 14 on the profile element 11.

[0070] The Figures 8 to 8D The connecting element shown is designed as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0071] The connecting element 14 not only serves to electrically connect the load 21, but can also function as a corner connector between the first and second body walls 3, 4 or the first and third body walls 3, 5. For this purpose, the connecting element 14 has a recess 38 for a connecting pin, which can be designed in particular as a dowel 39. Figure 1BThe dashed line shows a cylindrical dowel 39, which is received in the recess 38 of the connecting element 14. The dowel 39 extends into a bore formed in the second or fourth body wall 4, 6. In this way, a reliable mechanical connection can be achieved between the connecting element 14, which is arranged in the first body wall 3, and the adjacent second or fourth body wall 4, 6. Since the connecting element 14 is in turn firmly connected to the profile element 11, a secure fixation of the entire system is achieved. Figure 1B also shows another dowel 39', which connects the first body wall 3 directly to the second and fourth body walls 4, 6, respectively. The first body wall 3 forms a joint with the second and fourth body walls 4, 6, respectively. The third body wall 5 forms a joint with the second and fourth body walls 4, 6, respectively.

[0072] Figure 9 shows the connection element 14 connected to the profile element 11. Also shown here are the first connector 32 accommodated in the first receptacle 30 and the second connector 33 accommodated in the second receptacle 31. The first connector 32 is inserted into the through-opening 29 from the inside facing the profile element 11. The second connector 33 is inserted into the through-opening 29 from the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connectors 32, 33 each have two contacts, which are arranged in the through-opening when assembled. For this purpose, the first connector 32 protrudes slightly into the through-opening 29.

[0073] Figure 9further shows a first electrical connection line 40, which connects the first connector 32 to the electrical load 21. The figure also shows a second electrical connection line 41 for connecting the second connector 33 to a power supply and / or control system located outside the piece of furniture. To facilitate assembly, the second electrical connection line 41 has a third connector 42.

[0074] Figure 9 also clearly shows the LEDs 43 arranged along the profile element 11. For reasons of simplification, the exact electrical connection of the individual LEDs is not shown.

[0075] Figure 9A shows the connecting element 14 from Figure 9 with the first and second connectors 32, 33 inserted therein.

[0076] Figure 9B shows a further view of the profile element 11 with the connecting element 14 from Figure 9 .

Claims

1. A piece of furniture comprising a body (2) with a first body wall (3) and a second body wall (4) arranged at an angle to the first body wall (3), and with a profile element (11) in which an electrical consumer is arranged, wherein the profile element (11) is assigned to the first body wall (3), wherein the profile element (11) is elongated and has a first and a second end (12, 13) in the longitudinal direction of the profile element, wherein a connection element (14) with a base body (15) is arranged at least on one of the first and second ends (12, 13), wherein an electrical supply line (16) for the consumer is guided through the connection element (14).

2. Piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (14) has a connector receptacle (29) for the electrical connection of the consumer (21).

3. Piece of furniture according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe connector receptacle (29) has a first receptacle (30) for a first connector (31) which is electrically connected to the electrical load (21).

4. Piece of furniture according to claim 3, characterized in that the first receptacle (30) has a protruding holding portion (34) for the first plug connector (32), wherein the holding portion (34) is arranged on the base body (14).

5. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the connecting element (14) has a second receptacle (31) for a second connector (33) which can be electrically connected to the first connector (32).

6. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a through-opening (29) is provided in the base body (15) which is designed to at least partially accommodate the first and / or the second plug connector (32, 33).

7. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe connecting element (14) is designed as a corner connector between the first and the second body wall (3, 4) of the body (2).

8. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the profile element (11) has at least one receptacle (24) for a connecting means with which the connecting element (14) can be or is fastened to the profile element (11).

9. Piece of furniture according to claim 8, characterized in that the receptacle (24) is formed by a profile section which has a C-shape in cross-section.

10. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the profile element (11) forms a receiving space (23) with a rear side (22), wherein the profile element (11) has a holding surface (22) for the electrical consumer (21).

11. Piece of furniture according to claim 10, characterized in that the holding surface (22) is arranged obliquely to the rear.

12. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thatthe electrical consumer (21) has a light source.

13. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the piece of furniture has a door (7) which is arranged on the body (2).

14. Piece of furniture according to claim 13, characterized in that the door (7) has a viewing area (8) through which the interior of the body (2) can be seen from the outside.

15. piece of furniture, characterized in that This is designed as a modular kitchen furniture.

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